Billy Vunipola's replacement
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The v2 Forum :: Sport :: Rugby Union :: International
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Billy Vunipola's replacement
Assuming Billy Vunipola will be out for the Wales game, who will come in to replace him in the squad?
There's an obvious replacement at starting 8—Ben Morgan. I sincerely hope Lancaster starts with Morgan. I heard someone speculating on BT Sport the other day that he might move Wood to 8 ( ) and bring in Tom Johnson at 6.
But if he does start Morgan at 8, who comes on to the bench? It would make sense for it to be another 8, as both Launchbury and Lawes can cover 6 (Launchbury better than Lawes on last season's evidence) and Wood move to 7 if need be.
So, if an 8 does come on to the bench, who would that be?
There's an obvious replacement at starting 8—Ben Morgan. I sincerely hope Lancaster starts with Morgan. I heard someone speculating on BT Sport the other day that he might move Wood to 8 ( ) and bring in Tom Johnson at 6.
But if he does start Morgan at 8, who comes on to the bench? It would make sense for it to be another 8, as both Launchbury and Lawes can cover 6 (Launchbury better than Lawes on last season's evidence) and Wood move to 7 if need be.
So, if an 8 does come on to the bench, who would that be?
Eustace H Plimsoll- Posts : 149
Join date : 2011-06-13
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
It has to be Sam Dickinson. He has played really well for the Saxons. Moving wood to 8 and bringing Johnson in would be a massive error of selection. It would seriously weaken the side.
englandglory4ever- Posts : 1635
Join date : 2011-08-04
Location : Brighton, Sussex
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Probably another wing fullback knowing Lancaster
The other back row players in the training squad have been Kvesic and Johnson, neither of which scream out as useful for utility or quality. Id agree it really has to be someone who can at least cover 8, Im not sure how much Morgans has improved his fitness but hes not been an 80 minuter in the past
Sam Dickinson is in the Saxons as an 8, might be a bit old for Lancaster though. Dave Ewers is the other option.
The other back row players in the training squad have been Kvesic and Johnson, neither of which scream out as useful for utility or quality. Id agree it really has to be someone who can at least cover 8, Im not sure how much Morgans has improved his fitness but hes not been an 80 minuter in the past
Sam Dickinson is in the Saxons as an 8, might be a bit old for Lancaster though. Dave Ewers is the other option.
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler- Posts : 10344
Join date : 2011-06-02
Location : Englandshire
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
I would bet money on Lancaster calling up Kvesic. He is the next cab on the rank in terms of back row options, and did play quite a lot at 8 for Worcester.
A leftfield option (if someone in the 6Ns squad could be left field) would be Ed Slater. Initially a No8 he has also played at 6 for us. I have to say however that I am not convinced he is ghood enough to play for England at second row, so putting him on the bench to cover a secondary position could be considered perverse.
A leftfield option (if someone in the 6Ns squad could be left field) would be Ed Slater. Initially a No8 he has also played at 6 for us. I have to say however that I am not convinced he is ghood enough to play for England at second row, so putting him on the bench to cover a secondary position could be considered perverse.
LondonTiger- Moderator
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Join date : 2011-02-10
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Nick Easter
nobbled- Posts : 1196
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Age : 51
Location : West Midlands
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Nick Easter wrote:
You joke, but that's maybe the best option I can think of.
Eustace H Plimsoll- Posts : 149
Join date : 2011-06-13
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Eustace H Plimsoll wrote:
You joke, but that's maybe the best option I can think of.
Not really a joke (I think he'd be good coming off the bench for the last 20) but more a case of lighting the blue touchpaper and retreating...
nobbled- Posts : 1196
Join date : 2012-01-16
Age : 51
Location : West Midlands
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
As a rugby fan, Sam Dickinson!!!
As a welsh fan, move wood to 8
As a welsh fan, move wood to 8
Comfort- Posts : 2072
Join date : 2011-08-13
Location : Cardiff
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Well BillyV is officially ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
LondonTiger- Moderator
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Join date : 2011-02-10
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Edit : That wasn't clear...Morgan starts.
THe bench replacement is Dickinson or Ewers.
Dickinson was excellent for the Saxons...and Ewers is a beast.
Both can probably cover 6 aswell if required and Launchbury certainly can.
Last edited by GeordieFalcon on Mon 24 Feb 2014, 7:56 pm; edited 1 time in total
Geordie- Posts : 28849
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Surely it has to be Morgan though from a Welsh view point I would be happy if it wasn't
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Age : 56
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Yeah Morgan has to start.
I meant Ewers or Dickinson for the bench...
I meant Ewers or Dickinson for the bench...
Geordie- Posts : 28849
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Wood to 8, Lawes to 6, Botha to be drafted into the EPS.
Ok, joking
Dickinson (just ahead of Ewers) for me.
Ok, joking
Dickinson (just ahead of Ewers) for me.
Cyril- Posts : 7162
Join date : 2012-11-16
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Dickinson or Easter. Do we want a total noob or an old hand?
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
yappysnap wrote:Dickinson or Easter. Do we want a total noob or an old hand?
Why not just the best player Yappy
Geordie- Posts : 28849
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
That would be Easter surely? But he has plenty of faults outside of being the best player, ego, mouth and age are all against him.
Dickinson is a safer option
Dickinson is a safer option
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Ewers has went off the boil a little, fitness maybe?
Dickson would be the obvious, he done himself no harm coming off the bench in the Saxons game
Dickson would be the obvious, he done himself no harm coming off the bench in the Saxons game
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Lancaster mentioned Kvesic and Johnson competing for back row places, not Dickinson or Ewers. No idea if that represents his likely selection policy.
Rugby Fan- Moderator
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Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
He was very impressive for the Saxons
Geordie- Posts : 28849
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Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
It'll be Johnson....great. May as well bring back Dowson
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Ah..Johnson is a cracking club player but I thought we'd settled the fact he wasn't quite an international player.
And Kvesic...what on earth has he done to warrant a tour to New Zealand?
PS...Dickinson will be probably in the final for Saints so might not make the Tour anyway...maybe Ewers then...
And Kvesic...what on earth has he done to warrant a tour to New Zealand?
PS...Dickinson will be probably in the final for Saints so might not make the Tour anyway...maybe Ewers then...
Geordie- Posts : 28849
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Kvesic and Johnson are flankers who have played 8 and I wouldn't want them covering 8 against Wales (especially given they may have a fairly big part to play if Morgan starts blowing).
Cyril- Posts : 7162
Join date : 2012-11-16
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
And both make very little impact off the bench, it's all about the impact!
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
They're also a bit light for an 8 aren't they? Giving 2/3 stone away to Billy/Morg (though they are beasts).Sgt_Pooly wrote:And both make very little impact off the bench, it's all about the impact!
Hopefully we've learned from the Wood experiment.
Cyril- Posts : 7162
Join date : 2012-11-16
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Wood won't be 8, he was 8 last year....
Scratch- Posts : 1980
Join date : 2013-11-10
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
I think we've established that.
Thanks, Scratch
Thanks, Scratch
Cyril- Posts : 7162
Join date : 2012-11-16
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Ewers can cover 6...Launchbury can cover 6 also
He should consider Garvey! What about Fearns?
He should consider Garvey! What about Fearns?
Geordie- Posts : 28849
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Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Cyril wrote:I think we've established that.
Thanks, Scratch
Matters not who he picks, England's back row will be blown away by Warbs and co.
Scratch- Posts : 1980
Join date : 2013-11-10
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Thanks for the heads up. Much obliged.Scratch wrote:Cyril wrote:I think we've established that.
Thanks, Scratch
Matters not who he picks, England's back row will be blown away by Warbs and co.
Cyril- Posts : 7162
Join date : 2012-11-16
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Scratch wrote:Cyril wrote:I think we've established that.
Thanks, Scratch
Matters not who he picks, England's back row will be blown away by Warbs and co.
Another insight into what won't happen, you talk some rubbish.
I just pray Johnson isn't called up.
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
I for one pray that Wood goes 8 or either Dickinson, kvesic or Johson come in.
Leaving out Morgan would just be stupid. Morgan vs Falateu would be a good battle
Leaving out Morgan would just be stupid. Morgan vs Falateu would be a good battle
Jhamer25- Posts : 1219
Join date : 2013-04-09
Location : Torfaen
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
I think we're talking about these other players as being back-up to Morgan (not instead of). Chances are though, based on previous fitness levels, Morgan will need a back-up. Hence the slight concernJhamer25 wrote:I for one pray that Wood goes 8 or either Dickinson, kvesic or Johson come in.
Leaving out Morgan would just be stupid. Morgan vs Falateu would be a good battle
Last edited by Cyril on Mon 24 Feb 2014, 9:08 pm; edited 2 times in total
Cyril- Posts : 7162
Join date : 2012-11-16
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Morgan will start at 8
He who knows has spoken!
Scratch- Posts : 1980
Join date : 2013-11-10
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Easter!!!
yappysnap- Posts : 11993
Join date : 2011-06-01
Age : 36
Location : Christchurch, NZ
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Scratch wrote:Sgt_Pooly wrote:Morgan will start at 8
He who knows has spoken!
He speaks the truth!
Oh and did someone really say I hope Wood moves to 8? Or did I miss the joke?
Keep Wood and Robshaw where they are.
Id rather start big Ewers or Dickinson than move Wood to 8.
Geordie- Posts : 28849
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Scratch wrote:Sgt_Pooly wrote:Morgan will start at 8
He who knows has spoken!
SL has said Morgan will start at 8, it's not rocket science even if he hadn't
Sgt_Pooly- Posts : 36294
Join date : 2011-04-27
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Not even Stewie is so dopey as to put Wood at 8 - particularly for the Wales game. I am absolutely sure that I am fully confident that Stewie wouldn't do that.
Mind you a 6. Lawes 7. Robshaw 8. Wood would be amusing - show some real intent. Shame Croft's out.
Mind you a 6. Lawes 7. Robshaw 8. Wood would be amusing - show some real intent. Shame Croft's out.
Barney McGrew did it- Posts : 1604
Join date : 2012-02-23
Location : Trumpton
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Thank goodness Croft is out. Sorry he's injured but there was never a more lightweight goal hanging backrow than Croft. I know he's good in the lineout but that is functioning very well so we need a proper backrow player.
englandglory4ever- Posts : 1635
Join date : 2011-08-04
Location : Brighton, Sussex
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
James Haskell!
GloriousEmpire- Posts : 4411
Join date : 2013-01-28
Age : 51
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Billy is out for 6N. Morgan is good for 60 mins. Dickinson from the Saxons impressed me as the young tyro. But
Please Bomber, no more flankers.
Please Bomber, no more flankers.
gregortree- Posts : 3676
Join date : 2011-11-23
Location : Gloucestershire (was from London)
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
We need a replacement eight on the bench. That is an eight not a six. My fear is that we will go into Wales match for a second year with flankers playing at eight. The following quote from Stuart Lancaster on BBC website worries me.
The encouraging thing is we have got Ben Morgan and other back rows such as Matt Kvesic and Tom Johnson, who are all competing hard for places.
Exiledinborders- Posts : 1645
Join date : 2012-03-18
Location : Scottish Borders
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Haskell is a very good shout actually. I'm not sure how he has been playing for Wasps but he has the prerequisite power and work rate. With 50 caps to his name would automatically be one of the most experienced players in the squad too!
Cumbrian- Posts : 5605
Join date : 2011-01-28
Age : 41
Location : Bath
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Rugby Fan wrote:Lancaster mentioned Kvesic and Johnson competing for back row places, not Dickinson or Ewers. No idea if that represents his likely selection policy.
Probably because they are the players who are in the actual squad.
Another way of looking at it is this ...Robshaw and Wood have both had to play 240 minutes with big workloads, Morgan about 30 in total? Given theres two flanker positions as well theres arguably a higher chance of one of them needing to come off than there is Morgan so why not get specialist cover on the flanks and rely on part time cover for 8?
Im not entirely convinced by either as test players mind.
Haskell isnt even in the EPS 64 anymore. Hes had a pretty rapid demise since the last six nations and it seems to have hit his confidence and motivation.
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler- Posts : 10344
Join date : 2011-06-02
Location : Englandshire
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
The most intuitive move and the one least unsettling for the squad would be to start with Morgan and stick Dickinson on the bench. Completely unconvinced that Morgan has the engine to do any more than an hour. Can Kvesic cover other backrow positions? I thought that he was Mr Specialist Openside?
George Carlin- Admin
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Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
George Carlin wrote:The most intuitive move and the one least unsettling for the squad would be to start with Morgan and stick Dickinson on the bench. Completely unconvinced that Morgan has the engine to do any more than an hour. Can Kvesic cover other backrow positions? I thought that he was Mr Specialist Openside?
He started out as a number 8 and covered the position for Wuss last season (continues to do so for Glos?) he's spent the last few years being moulded into an openside because he seemed to have a no. 7's instincts at the breakdown.
Cumbrian- Posts : 5605
Join date : 2011-01-28
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Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
I'm not familiar with Kvesic's Wuss history, but here at Glaws he looks and plays like a classic 7. Not sure of his kgs but he seems to lack the 'ballast' needed at the back of a scrum. Be a mistake in a match as critical as on 9th March. Dickinson looked good with the Saxons.
gregortree- Posts : 3676
Join date : 2011-11-23
Location : Gloucestershire (was from London)
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Morgan to start
Dickinson on the bench to come on.
Get Ewers in to cover 8 and 6.
Dickinson on the bench to come on.
Get Ewers in to cover 8 and 6.
Geordie- Posts : 28849
Join date : 2011-03-31
Location : Newcastle
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
I'm sure it's already been said, but Launchbury being able to cover 6 helps. But covering 6 probably isn't the problem. Robshaw as captain likely to stay the 80, so back to the no 8 problem.
Great to blood new talent e.g. Dickinson, so would be good choice.
For winning the game in the last 20, and presence on the field, behold Nick Easter !
Great to blood new talent e.g. Dickinson, so would be good choice.
For winning the game in the last 20, and presence on the field, behold Nick Easter !
charliehesketh- Posts : 64
Join date : 2012-02-14
Re: Billy Vunipola's replacement
Easter has proven experience of scoring tries (2,3, ? don't remember) off the back of the scrum, vs Wales at Twickenham.
gregortree- Posts : 3676
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